The disappearance of a plane carrying hundreds, the fall of an iconic comedian, and the rise of a brutal terror group are just some of the biggest news stories of the year. Here are CBS Local’s top ten news stories of 2014.

The strange journey of three suburban Denver girls who authorities say tried to join Islamic State militants in Syria has many in their close-knit east African community worried about whether their own children will be the next to be lured to terror.

One of three Colorado girls who authorities say tried to join Islamic State militants in Syria was confused about what her role would be if she had actually made it there, the girl’s father said Tuesday.